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Introducing Tuning In

The Tuning In project analyses diasporic contact zones at the BBC World Service. Since 1932, the World Service (formerly the Empire Service) has provided a mediated home from home for the worldwide British diaspora in English. Audiences for its 31 foreign language services (radio; internet; digital; Arabic and Persian TV stations) also include diverse diaspora populations. In addition, as an insitution the World Service has long been a contact zone for diasporic (including exilic and refugee) staff reflecting the intellectual, cultural and political sensitivities and fluidity of the audiences they serve.

Our research themes

A number of vantage points have been used to illuminate the experience and influence of diasporas on the professional sensibilities, working practices and broadcast output of the BBC World Service: